YOUTH SPEAKS OUT

I am a typical university student.  I have not been involved in many
violent situations or witnessed many instances where violence is 
evident.  At the beginning of my third year, certain events on campus
opened my eyes to the severity of the violence in our society and I saw
how much is geared towards women.  I realized something had to be done.
   I decided to get involved in the University's White Ribbon Campaign
and the University's Walkhome Service.  This experience helped me to
see how much violence women constantly live with and fear.  This 
violence isn't limited to rape, physical abuse or direct verbal abuse.
It is often expressed in the form of a comment or a joke and can be 
just as harmful.  No one should have to live like that.
   The best way for me to discourage this abuse is to lead by example.
It is important for us, as men, to speak out against violence against 
women because by not doing so, we are silently encouraging this 
violence.  I am hoping that my example and my involvement will help
encourage other men to get involved and help discourage violent 
behaviour against women.
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The views expressed are those of the author, Charles Fink, a university
student, then age 22.